Nokia Dashes Our Hopes; Officially Denies Rumors They Are Making an Android Phone

[dgstorm]

Just last week we shared a couple of rumors that Nokia was actively developing a new Android smartphone and was planning to manufacture it for 2016. For many of us who have followed the cell phone industry for years, this was exciting news, as the dream of a Nokia Android is something that has been around for a while.

Unfortunately, Nokia themselves have crushed that dream. They just commented publicly and completely refuted the rumors. Here's the quote from Nokia,

“Nokia notes recent news reports claiming the company communicated an intention to manufacture consumer handsets out of a R&D facility in China. These reports are false. Nokia reiterates it currently has no plans to manufacture or sell consumer handsets.” ~ Reuters

There is one bit of bright news that came with this grim denial. Nokia indicated they actually do plan to get back into the mobile phone business, but they plan to do it through brand-licensing. They clarified that if they do, it won't be until at least 2016.

 

[Jonny Kansas]

My, how the mighty have fallen. They were such a big name in the world of cell phones and made some great devices. Sad to see them effectively giving up. Brand-licensing could be scary, depending on how free-wheeling they are with making deals.

 

[boidsonly]

That is a real shame. Odd how Nokia went from Hero to Zero in such a short time span, with a little help from M$...